Sabah UMNO must remain strong, important element for BN govt - Musa

Sabah UMNO needs to remain strong and continue being an important element in the formation of a Barisan Nasional (BN) government at national level, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said.

Musa, who is Sabah UMNO Liaison Committee chairman, said after 25 years, Sabah UMNO was now in a very strong position as the largest state component in UMNO with 25 divisions, 5,676 branches and 546,879 members.

"This position and achievement are not for us to boast or continue to be in our comfort zone, but they are important to remind ourselves and maintain our determination and commitment to our unfinished struggle."

Musa said this at the Kalabakan-level Sabah UMNO Silver Jubilee celebration here today. His speech text was read by State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor.

The chief minister said Sabah UMNO could not solely depend on the total registered members of UMNO because what was even more important was the quality of each member at all levels. "We must avoid split, we must put party interest above our own, and we must continue defending UMNO as the main party of choice for Sabahans," he added.